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Trip Details

Trip Overview

Ultimate Namibia - Private Safari

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Our Namibia private safari is perfect for the solo traveler, couples vacation or small group who would like a custom experience on a departure date they choose! We've done everything in our power to create this custom itinerary and make it available to anyone, at anytime at an amazing value.

Guided by famous Namibian naturalist guides, this private Namibian safari takes guests on a remarkable wildlife journey. Encounter Africa's big cats at the famous AfriCat Foundation, enjoy thrilling game drives at the Etosha National Park, view wildlife at exclusive and private waterholes, be welcomed by the beautiful Himba people and track on foot desert adapted elephants and rhino!

You'll also visit the Namibian coastline and get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to kayak the Atlantic ocean bordering Namibia where marine life abounds including: birds, dolphins, seals and even whales!

And of course, a trip to Namibia would not be complete without scaling the massive sand dunes that are among the tallest in the world!

Custom Trip Note: Below is our most popular "private" safari in Namibia, however, we can customize this trip at every turn to fit your availability, trip preference, activities, budget, lodging preferences or any other reason. Please call us at 800-451-6034800-451-6034 to customize any private Namibia trip.

Welcome to Namibia!

You will land at Windhoek’s International Hosea Kutako Airport which is located close to 20 miles in the outskirts of Windhoek. Here you will find a representative of ROW Adventures' waiting for you. This agent will organize your transport for an overnight stay at the Galton Hotel which has gorgeous rooms. A tour of Windhoek City on the way to the hotel awaits you if it appeals to you. You can spend the afternoon in your amiable hotel room, settling down and relaxing. You personal naturalist guide will be on hand as you go for dinner at the in house restaurant of the Galton Hotel. This will be your guide throughout the journey.

Windhoek Capital City: The capital city of Namibia in snuggled up in the midst of undulating hills. The city is protected by the Eros Mountains to the East; watched by the Ausa Mountains towards the south while the majestic Khomas Hochland watches from the west. Windhoek is where Africa and Europe meet and where new interacts with old. On Windhoek’s streets, fresh-looking but dated German imperial structures are juxtaposed against contemporary architectural structures. Here executives donning the fashion in vogue walks side by side with Herero women dressed in traditional Victorian attire. This centrally-located city is the beginning point for visitors who desire to explore the interior of Namibia through an exciting adventure. The restaurants in Windhoek are replete with various cuisines – global, continental, German (e.g. Sauerkraut and Eisbein) and African dishes like Mopane worms. This city is not short of accommodation possibilities including four-star hotels, campsites and friendly pensions to travelers’ establishments. Guest farms and lodges are found to a low extent in rustic areas in the outskirts of the city.

Your journey for this day begins after a lavish breakfast, when your guide arrives at the guesthouse. You will then embark on a drive through Okahandja and eventually to Okonjima where the AfriCat Foundation operates from. Along the way, you will sample the Okahandja Craft Market and reach Okonjima Bush Camp just in time for delicious lunch. This facility provides friendly welcome, excellent accommodation and incredible activities beginning with an afternoon guided excursion. You may also opt to go to the night hide soon after the evening meal, if that is provided for.

AfriCat Foundation: This foundation operates from Okonjima and is a sanctuary which began in 1991 with the intention of disseminating information on conservation, protection of habitats, boosting research in environmental education and boosting animal wellbeing. The foundation focuses on the big cats of Africa especially captured or injured cheetah and leopard. This is the largest leopard and cheetah sanctuary and release initiative globally. For 17 years now, more than 1,000 cats have been taken to the centre and more than 85% reintroduced into the wilderness. Guests at this centre will engage in tracking leopards while in vehicles, visiting the cheetah wellbeing project and also paying visits to the abodes of nocturnal animals like caracal, porcupine, honey badger and even occasionally seeing leopards.

Okonjima Bush Camp: This facility has enticing accommodation in thatched chalets modeled on African designs; adequate space for privacy within peaceful wilderness environs and a key middle Lapa section under a camel thorn tree from where guests take their food and all activities begin. The chalets are exclusively en-suit and have total privacy. Guests are also at liberty to roll up the canvas ‘walls’ of their rooms to have a 180 degrees panoramic view of the happenings in the bush while relaxing comfortably.

This morning you will be engaged in an exhilarating activity. You will track cheetahs on foot and later come back to the lodge for brunch. Next on schedule is a journey to the Etosha National Park. Lunch will be taken en-route. By mid afternoon, you will reach Anderssons Camp. If there is time to spare, you will visit the Etosha National Park to view wild animals. You may also opt to while away time at the camp’s exclusive waterhole. Later, you will go back to the camp to refresh before taking dinner.

The day will be spent in the south western area of the national park viewing game. You have two options: You can enter the park both in the morning and afternoon with lunch and early afternoon breaks or penetrate the park and take longer time at in the vicinity of the Halali. All this is arranged with your guide but you must be back at the camp at sunset.

You will wake up early today and proceed south to a market centre called Outjo, then move west to Camp Kipwe which is found deep inside Damaraland. Color, rock formations, superb flat topped mountains and weird-looking vegetation - this is the best way to describe Damaraland. Erosion by water, wind and geological forces has resulted in a landscape replete with gravel plains, rolling hills, dunes and dated river terraces. You will feel rewarded and astounded by the loneliness, scenic splendor and variety of this area to the extent of comprehending what the term ‘wilderness’ really means. You will spend two nights at Kipwe Camp which gives you the convenience of being close to local attractions.

Your guide will deviate during your journey to take you on a visit to a settlement of the indigenous Himba people. However, finding them may not be easy because they often move without notice. The Himba are the only tribe that is still purely traditional and unperturbed by modernity in Namibia. This is your opportunity to know their traditions, customs, culture and daily routine.

Your guide may also take your on a brief tour of geological sites and attractions nearby if you have the time. These include the Twyfelfontein rock engravings which are prehistoric and are now officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may also visit the Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountains. If you are not able, there will be enough time for such activities tomorrow.

This day is replete with unforgettable and exciting activities. The early morning should find you and your guide on a memorable 4x4 tour to see this extraordinary region and to look for game like the evasive elephant and lion which are adapted to the desert, in case they are within. There has been a marked increase in such species in recent days and to get a chance to see them is indeed a privilege. There are many animals which can be found in Damaraland plus also other concealed desert treasures.

You return for lunch at the camp. In the afternoon, your guide will ensure you visit Twyfelfontein’s rock engravings which are now officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is necessary for those who have not done so already. You may also visit the Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountains and go back to the camp to relax a bit.

The journey to Swakopmund begins after breakfast. You will go south towards Namibia’s tallest mountain – Brandberg – which is 2574m high. The journey then takes you west to Henties Bay, a coastal urban centre, and south to Swakopmund. Once in this town, you will have time for exploring sections of the centre on foot from the direction of Cornerstone Guesthouse which is the most convenient. A renowned town restaurant will host you for a delicious dinner.

Brandberg: This is a German, Afrikaans and Dutch word which translates to Fire Mountain. It was given this name because at sunset, the mountain has a glowing color. The Damara call it Dâures i.e. ‘burning mountain’. The Herero refer to it as Omukuruvaro meaning ‘mountain of the gods’. The mountain also has a dome-shaped tableland called Brandberg Intrusion orBrandberg Massif which is formed from granite. Damaraland generally has scattered eroded mountains, koppies (little hills) and hills made from granite boulders. The collections of granite were magma chambers anciently, which were formed from underground volcanic movement billions of years in the past. This is normal in Southern Africa. Today, there are numerous deposits of cooled magma, which after many millennia of erosion lie exposed. The towering Brandberg Massif is Namibia’s tallest mountain with the highest peak (Konigstein or ‘Kings Rock’) being 2,574m above sea level. The circular inselberg which remains is 25km in diameter. In addition, the mountain is a haven for various forms of plant and animal species like the sole but prevalent acacia and montis-usti acacia. Since indigenous people found temporary sanctuary in these rocks, they created in excess of 45,000 figures of beautiful patterns of rock paintings. This is regarded as among the largest rock art galleries in the open in Africa. The most renowned of these is called the ‘White Lady’ portrait.

You'll have breakfast early in the morning. Your guide will then drive with you to the picturesque coastal road as you head down to Walvis Bay. Here you will enjoy an unforgettable kayaking adventure in the outer lagoon. Your kayaking guide will take you to Pelican Point where you will view its windswept splendour and lighthouse. The salt works will provide a platform for viewing multifarious birds as you reach the launch point. One of the best ways to view Cape fur seals is to go kayaking. Other animals you will see include flamingos, dolphins, pelicans, Heaviside, bottlenose dolphins and many other varieties of birds. You may also be lucky enough to see leatherback turtles, whales and sunfish. In all the activities of this day, you will be accompanied by your guide who will inform you concerning the surrounding. Before returning to Walvis Bay, you will be served delicious light refreshments while on the beach. In the afternoon you will picked and returned to Swakopmund to enjoy your afternoon and later take a delicious dinner at a different but renowned restaurant.

Today, you will travel south east and experience tremendous and fluctuating desert landscape within the amazing Namib Naukluft National Park and the attractive Kuiseb and Gaub canyons. The sand dunes will be ready for you at Solitaire area after which you will travel to Sesriem in the south. You will spend the afternoon touring the canyon at Sesriem and later reach the lodge. If there is no time for the later, you should not worry because you will do it tomorrow.

NOTE: Instead of driving through spectacular landscapes to Swakopmund to Hoodia Desert Lodge, you can opt to fly over Sossusvlei and the Diamond Coast at an additional cost.

The day begins early and you have to be in sync to experience the supernatural guided excursion to the Namib Naukluft National Park. The early morning trip will ensure you view the dunes when there is still some light and shadows which make the tall curves and shapes even taller. Here you will find some of the most towering isolated dunes on the globe which will help you understand, to some extent, how the Namib Desert was formed, the inherent flora and fauna and the dynamics of survival. Your picnic breakfast will find you relaxing under a camel thorn tree shade. The early afternoon will find you back at the Hoodia Desert Lodge where you will tale lunch and go to the Sesriem Canyon, if you have not been there before. After the excitement of the morning, the afternoon is time to relax with activities of your choice

The journey back to Windhoek begins with a delicious breakfast. You will proceed to Galton House where you will spend the final night of your private safari to Namibia. If you have time, you can go shopping and back to the guesthouse to refresh and prepare for dinner, which will be served at one of the town’s restaurants or in a house.

Relax at the guest house on the 12th morning of this Namibia private safari and enjoy the remaining time before you are transported to the Windhoek International Airport at the right time to catch your international flight to your preferred destination.

You have come to the end of your safari in Namibia. We hope you choose ROW Adventures for your next private adventure! If you choose to extend your time in Africa, we'd be happy to help. Our suggestion from here would be a short extension to Zambia to see Victoria Falls!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of vehicles will we travel in?

Vehicles used are normally comfortable minibuses, equipped with air-conditioning and cool boxes or fridges for drinks and snacks. A trailer for luggage is taken if required. We reserve the right to change the vehicles used to 4 x 4 safari vehicles if the road conditions at the time indicate that this is necessary for the success of the safari.

What are the luggage restrictions?

Luggage is normally restricted to 44 pounds (not including photographic equipment) per person in a soft, hold all type bag. Weight is generally less important than volume as everything is carried with you on safari. For your light aircraft transfers the luggage limit is 44 pounds in soft bags, including hand luggage. Roll-ons are acceptable. If required, any extra luggage can be stored at the hotel in Windhoek while you are away on safari.

Is tipping customary in Namibia?

While not mandatory, tipping 10% is standard when dining on an Namibia adventure. With the typical Namibian earning a modest wage, a small tip to porters, housemaids and other service workers is appreciated.

What is the internet access like in Namibia?

You may access the internet in the cyber cafes of Namibia's large cities, but limited to no access should be expected in regional and rural areas.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Namibia?

There is decent cell phone coverage in Namibia's large cities and towns, but less so in rural and mountainous areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you wish to use your mobile phone. Better yet, turn your phone off and immerse yourself in the place.

Can I drink the water in Namibia?

While tap water is considered safe in Namibia's cities, drinking tap water isn't generally recommended in Namibia. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. In our safari vehicle we carry a container of filtered water you can use to refill your reusable water bottle or canteen.

Are credit cards accepted in Namibia?

Credit cards are usually accepted by large hotels and western-style restaurants, but not by smaller vendors. Ensure you have adequate cash to cover purchases not able to be made on credit.

What vaccinations do I need?

No vaccinations are mandatory but please consult your doctor for medical advice. Parts of Namibia are considered to be malarial so you may want to use anti-malarial prophylactics, especially if visiting during the Namibian summer (December to April) – subject to advice from your own doctor.